FL Permitless Gun Carry Law Could Pass In 2023: Gov. DeSantis

TALLAHASSEE, FL — Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis expects state lawmakers to pass a permitless carry law during the 2023 legislative session, allowing Florida gun owners to carry concealed weapons without a license, according to multiple reports.

The Republican governor addressed the topic Friday while visiting Lee County, a day after House Speaker Paul Renner indicated the House would approve constitutional carry, The Tampa Bay Times reported.

"Basically, this was something that I've always supported," DeSantis said, according to The Times. "The last two years, it was not necessarily a priority for the legislative leadership. But we've been talking about it, and (Renner's) pledged publicly that's moving forward, and it'll be something that will be done in the regular session."

Florida law currently allows residents to buy and own a gun without a permit, but owners must have a concealed weapons permit to carry the gun in public.

While the 2023 session doesn't start until March 7, Republicans have the numbers to pass a constitutional carry after the party gained supermajorities in the Florida House and Senate during the midterm elections.

In an interview with WFLA, House Minority Leader Fentrice Driskell predicted changes to the law could happen before the start of the session.

"I'm very concerned about this potential legislation because I do think it would make our communities less safe," Driskell told WFLA. "It wouldn't surprise me if we saw a special session on this, prior to the regular session."